WAR TIME 
OCCUPATIONS 



FLORENCE O. BEAN 

1918 




Fig. 1 



WAR TIME 
OCCUPATIONS 

A MANUAL OF SIMPLE 

CONSTRUCTIVE WORK 

SUITABLE FOR HOME 

AND SCHOOL 

BY 

FLORENCE O. BEAN 

MANUAL ARTS DEPARTMENT 
BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS 

AUTHOR OF 

BOOKBINDING FOR BEGINNERS 



DRAWINGS MADE BY 

GEORGE M. MORRIS 



PRICE TWENTY-FIVE CENTS 



Copyright, 1918 
By Florence O. Bean 



^Pfi 1 1 m 



©CI,A496095 



CONTENTS 



1. 


Aims —Pedagogical 


OR P 


RODUCTIVr 






3 


2. 


Standards .... 






5 


3. 


Materials .... 






6 


4. 


Tools 






8 


5. 


Cutting, Pressing and Pasting 






10 


6. 


Construction of a Rectangle 






12 


7. 


Scrap Card 






13 


8. 


Scrap Book 












14 


9. 


Pigture Puzzles 












16 


10. 


Envelopes 












. 18 


11. 


Tangram . 












22 


12. 


T Puzzle . 












22 


13. 


Bags 












24 


14. 


Dominoes 












26 


15. 


Domino Cases . 












29 


16. 


Slip Box . 












32 


17. 


Checker Board 












33 


18. 


Checkers 












37 


19. 


Knitting Needles 












39 


20. 


Trench Candles 












40 



FOREWORD 

"Teacher, teacher, what shall I do? 
I'm all through, I'm all through; 
I've finished all I've begun; 

What shall I do now I've got that done? " 

So paraphrased a clever teacher the insistent de- 
mands of her pupils for something further to do. 
Many have been asked, but fewer have answered to 
wholly mutual satisfaction. 

Now comes the great war which touches more or 
less the lives of every one of us, and with one voice we 
cry, ''What shall I do to help?" Whatever may be 
said on the other side, it is certain that as a nation we 
shall reap many benefits, and some of them are al- 
ready apparent in the increased industry of the peo- 
ple, their plainer mode of living, and their greater seri- 
ousness of thought. 

This little volume presents an educational oppor- 
tunity arising out of the situation, and incMentally for- 
mulates an answer to the eager questioning of youth. 
It shows how the handwork of children may meet a 
real demand, and thereby re-act on the interest and 
enthusiasm of children to be a part of real life. There 
has been no attempt to include such products as re- 
quire technical skill or advanced knowledge. Every- 
thing here described is of simple character and was 
originally intended as part of an .elementary manual 
training course. 

The possibility of producing these articles by classes 
of young children was fully demonstrated in the Bos- 
ton Public Schools when thousands of them were sent 
+0 tne Metropolitan Chapter of the Red Cross for usp 
in the Christmas bags. Experience has also proved 
the feasibility of such production at home, in a church 



parlor, or a club-room, with workers of all ages. When 
completed they may be sent to individual soldiers or 
turned over to the local Red Cross chapter whose of- 
ficials should of course first be consulted concerning 
the expediency of sending the gifts. 

Occupations for convalescent soldiers are already 
attracting attention and here are suggestions for one 
line of activity, which has already been tried out with 
success. 

The writer lays no claim to having originated all the 
suggestions herein contained for there have been many 
with willing hearts and resourceful minds who have 
assisted greatly in developing the projects and sug- 
gesting means for carrying them out. 

Miss Maude G. Leadbetter, Director Junior Depart- 
ment of New England Division, took the initiative in 
requesting the production of the work. Her unfail- 
ing appreciation and that of her associates has been 
a constant source of inspiration and a full reward for 
the effort occasioned. 

The Boston teachers of the fourth and fifth grades 
deserve great credit for their many and helpful sug- 
gestions for modifications and processes. 

As always Mr. John C. Brodhead of the Department 
of Manual Arts, Boston Public Schools, was of con- 
stant help and inspiration, and Mr. Edward C. Em.er- 
son of the same department gave much practical as- 
sistance. The drawings of Mr. George M. Morris vspeak 
for themselves. 

Grateful acknov/ledgment is also due Miss Harriet 
F. Smith, who designed the chessmen and the arrange- 
ment of the title page and cover. 

That the simple problems here offered may serve 
the two-fold purpose of assisting manual training to be 
in touch with the vitsl interests of the time, and of 
utilizing the products of manual training to give com- 
fort and cheer to our scldiers and sailors is the earnest 
hope of 

THE AUTHOR. 



AIMS— PEDAGOGICAL OR PRODUCTIVE. 

In producing the articles here described it is possi- 
ble to kill the proverbial two birds or to aim straight 
at the one leaving the other to go undisturbed. But 
before taking aim one should decide what he intends to 
hit. 

If the aim is production alone, as would be true in 
clubs, some points that are of educational value may 
be omitted. The work may be portioned out so that 
some individuals always do one thing and some an- 
other, the object being to turn out as many finished 
products as possible. 

On the opposite side, if the production of these ar- 
ticles is subordinate to hand training and used as a 
means to an end quite different methods should be fol- 
lowed. The finished article should be shown to the 
class and its construction carefully discussed. Work- 
ing drawings should be worked out at least on the black- 
board and may be made by individuals on paper at their 
desks. It is not necessary nor always advisable that 
the drawings should be made to scale, in fact freehand 
sketches which record the thought and plan of the 
worker are all that are necessary as guides. With small 
children a straight edge may be used to insure straight 
lines and nullify a tendency to drop into slipshod meth- 
ods and to be satisfied with slovenly results. Dimen- 
sioning should be done according to accepted methods 
and the teacher should have knowledge of the correct 
use of dimension and extension lines, arrow heads, etc. 
However simply ''mechanical drawing" is taught there 
should be nothing for the pupil to unlearn in later ad- 
vanced work. 

The laying out of the parts on the various materials 
should be done accurately and carefully whether the 



Jf'AA' TIME OCCl'PATIOXS 



drawings were made accurately or simply sketched as 
above suggested, and here the teacher shows her in- 
sight by determining which method is best adapted to 
her class. 

This is not the occasion for a pedagogical treatise 
and so the good teacher is advised to pursue her usual 
methods of presentation when adapting the contents 
of this book to her use. 

To those who are inexperienced in ways pedagogi- 
cal, but who have some skill of hand, a little practice 
combined with a judicious amount of common sense 
will make the way plain. 



IVAA' TIME OCCUPATIONS 



STANDARDS. 

It is quite essential that high standards be main- 
tained especially in accepting articles for distribution. 
To be sure, there is in the act of constructing a defi- 
nite educational value to the child who puts forth an 
effort. The opportunity to contribute in any way to a 
worthy cause is most inspiring, and often productive 
of results far above the ordinary. All these facts 
should be considered in judging the work from a peda- 
gogical standpoint. But when the final judgment is 
pronounced, nothing should be accepted which has not 
a commercial value, which would not be a marketable 
product. The recipient to be is probably not more in- 
terested in the producer than are you when you pur- 
chase a game at the toy store. The fact that only the 
best is to be used often has a most salutary effect upon 
the worker whether child or adult. 

In any case it is well to have a "censor" as it were 
who shall accept or discard all articles before they are 
forwarded to any distributing agency. 



({ .7 A' TIME OC C 7 /> 7 JIOXS 



MATERIALS. 

For the most part the materials here specified are 
inexpensive and may be purchased of a school supply 
house. Those that are in general use like newspapers^ 
cloth, paints, crayons, etc, are not listed. When pur- 
chasing a supply it is well to see at least samples of 
all goods. Vellum and lining paper should harmonize 
in color An analogous harmony is preferable to a con- 
trast. 

Newsbcard. 

A heavy cardboard used for the foundation of book- 
covers, and articles of similar construction, etc., The 
commercial size of each sheet is 26"x38" which comes 
in various weights specified by a number indicating 
how many sheets there are in each 100-lb. bundle. For 
convenience in handling, the sheets should be cut by 
the dealer into quarters, that is 13x19 and for the pur- 
poses here specified No.- 50 is recommended. 

Vellum. 

A cloth in common use by bookbinders for covering. 
It comes in many colors but the darker tones are more 
serviceable. A middle green, brown, and deep red are 
very satisfactory, and are more easily matched with 
lining paper, cord, or other accessories. Vellum is 
bought by the yard and approximates one yard in 
width. 

Lining Paper. 

There are so many varieties of paper under this des- 
ignation that no attempt can be made to describe 
them. It is sold by the sheet, quire, or ream, and can 



irAA' rii\rE occrj'ATioxs 



be obtained from a bookbinder or a school supply 
house. Some of the cheapest qualities are too thin to 
be handled by inexperienced workers and in choos- 
ing, one should select a paper that is tough enough 
to be handled when wet with paste. 

Eyelets. 

In purchasing choose the same make as the eyelet 
punch and specify the 3/16 inch size. If punch and 
eyelets are of different makes they do not always fit. 



M\-l/^ TIME OCCrPATIOXS 



TOOLS. 

Only simple tools are needed for construction, most 
of which may be purchased at a school supply house 
or a hardware store. 

Pencils. 

Hard or medium for construction work. 
Soft for darkening squares of checkerboard. 

Foot Rule. 

Divided into eighths or sixteenths. 

Scissors. 

Six or seven inches long. 

Triangle. 

Of wood, with open frame, each of the small angles 
45 degrees. This is used in constructing right angles. 

Eyelet Punch. 

This is necessary if eyelets are to be inserted. A 
simple style operated by hand is recommended for 
general use. The same punch is useful for making 
holes in the dominoes. 

Conductor's Punch. 

A lighter and cheaper variety than the eyelet punch 
but can be used only for punching holes not inserting 
eyelets. If additional punches are needed for making 
the dominoes this kind answers the purpose just as 



IV A /e 77ME OCCL'PAT/OXS '9 

well. These punches are made to cut a great variety 
of shapes, therefore one should be careful to select a 
punch with a round hole of approximately 1/8 inch 
diameter. 

Cardboard Cutter. 

This as its name implies is used for cutting card- 
board either heavy or light and may also be used for 
cutting paper or vellum. It consists of a board 
marked off into half-inch squares, with knife attached 
at the side. The fifteen-inch size is best for general 
use although the lighter and cheaper twelve-inch size 
will do. 

Any other tools referred to are either to be found 
in household use or may be purchased as suggested 
above. 



10 U'AJ^ TIME OCCC'PATIOXS 



CUTTING, PASTING, AND PRESSING. 

The methods by which these three processes are car- 
ried on make all the difference possible in the results, 
and one should be certain that the best methods are 
first known and then followed. 

Cutting. 

1. Cardboard Cutter. This should be used for all 
heavy cardboard, and may be used for other materials. 

2. Scissors. All light weight materials may be cut 
with scissors. If the work is given for educational 
purposes, much cutting should be done with scissors 
as this affords excellent hand training. To cut well, 
the materials should be held in the left hand, and the 
cutting should be done on the line at the left. The ma- 
terial should be turned so that one side after another 
occupies this position. The scissors should be opened 
as W'de as possible, and all cutting begun near the joint. 
Always cut past the corners except when cutting an 
interior angle. Vellum may be torn lengthwise but 
not crosswise. A torn edge may be used when it is 
to be covered, but not otherwise. 

Pasting. 

Paste is more satisfactory for use when placed in a 
shallow open-mouthed receptacle. It should be ap- 
plied with a brush and the hands kept as free from 
paste as possible. Plenty of clean newspapers should 
Oe at hand so that fresh surfaces are always available. 
Lay the material to be pasted upon a sheet of news- 
paper, and apply the paste evenly. If any lumps from 
the paste or hairs from the brush have adhered to the 
sui'face, be sure that they are carefully removed, as 
otherwise they will show through. Be prepared to use 



U\IA' TIME OCCrPATlOXS 



the pasted surface immediately, for if it is allowed to 
stand, it either becomes too dry, or soaks into the ma- 
terial distorting its shape. 

When newsboard and vellum are to be pasted to- 
gether, apply the paste to the surface of the latter, 
having previously marked with pencil the position the 
newsboard is to occupy. When the paste has been 
evenly spread, press the newsboard upon the vellum; 
then turn them over and rub the vellum vigorously 
upon the right side. 

Cut the corners after the newsboard has been pasted 
to the vellum. (See Plates 7 and ) for correct cutting.) 
Care should be exercised in making these cuts as the 
appearance of the corner is of great importance. 

Before turning over the laps it will be necessary to 
apply more paste. When this has been done turn over 
that on the iartnest side pulling it over on to the news- 
beard with considerable force. Turn the work 
around so that the lap opposite to that first pasted 
will be farthest away; fold and paste that. Do not 
fold the edge of the vellum under but paste the raw 
edge flat. All laps should cling closely to the news- 
board and be thoroughly rubbed down. 

Warping is likely to appear when only one side of 
the newsboard has been covered, but this is removed 
when the opposite side is covered and pressed. 

Pressing. 

Best results cannot be obtained without pressing. 
All pasted articles should be put under weight when 
drying, whether they are completed articles or not. A 
hand press, while convenient, is by no means essential. 
A pile of heavy books, a box of brick or stone, in fact 
any article of sufficient weight to press may Jbe sub- 
stituted. If several articles are to be pressed at once 
so that they need to be arranged in layers, these lay- 
ers should be separated by several sheets of new^spaper 
or newsboard to expedite the drying out of moisture. 



12 



ir.-JA' TIME OCCr PATIO xs 



CONSTRUCTION OF A RECTANGLE. 

A fair degree of accurac}^ is desirable in all articles 
here described, and in some of them it is quite essen- 
tial. All corners should be right angles to bring the 
work to proper standard. When a rectangle is to be 
laid out either on paper or any of the bookbinding 
materials to be used, follow the mode of procedure 
o;iven below. 




Near the lower edge of the surface to be used draw 
a line, all the way across. On this lay off the length 
of one long side of the rectangle placing two points to. 
mark it. At these points place the triangle as shown 
in Figure 2 and erect the parpsndiculars. Notice that 
the inside of the triangle is placed against the base 
line while the perpendicular is drawn against the out- 
side. 

On these perpendiculars lay off the width of the 
rectangle. Before drawing the fourth side by con- 



IV A J^ TIME OCCVPATfOSS 13 

necting the points thus placed the distance between 
them should be measured to see if it exactly corres- 
ponds with the distance first laid off. If there is any 
discrepancy this shows that the angles are not abso- 
lutely correct and should be adjusted before the 
fourth side is drawn. 

If a triangle is not available the square corner of a 
card may be substituted. 




SCRAP-CARD. 

Materials: Cardboard, clippings, paste. 

Cut a piece of cardboard 5"xl2". On both sides, 
mount jokes, interesting short stories, pictures or 
poetry. About half an inch down from the center of 
the top, punch a hole and insert a piece of twine 10" 
long. When this twine is of the right length, double 
it, put the loop through the hole, and pull the ends 
through the loop. (See Fig. 3.) 

These cards are hung on beds in hospitals. , 



14 ir.lA' TIME OCCrPATRWS 



SCRAP-BOOK. 

Materials: Pages from magazines, clippings and wrap- 
ping paper. 

T. Many magazines and papers contain good short 
stories while for various reasons it may not be desir- 
able to send the whole publication. Such stories may 
well be made up into scrap-books and serve to beguile 
many a monotonous hour. 

Do not paste the stories to a foundation page, but 
take whole pages from a magazine, even if there is 
some irrelevant printing. This not only makes less 
work, but insures a neater page, and lessens the 
we:ght. Use several stories on pages of the same 
size. For covers, use a sheet of smooth clean wrap- 
ping paper folded through the center. Against the 
i.iside of this fold, place the pages which have been 
trimmed to uniform width, and with covers closed, 
stitch the entire length of the page, either on sewing 
machine or by hand with two threads. The titles of 
the stories or articles may be printed or written on the 
cover. 

II. Make a book with leaves of wrapping paper 
each the size of a postcard. To these paste small 
clippings and pictures. Use colored postcards for the 
covers and fasten together at one short edge of each. 
This is easily carried in the pocket and when read is 
quite likely to be passed on. 

III. Fold sheets of wrapping paper to form pages 
about the size of an ordinary magazine and stitch thiem 
through the fold. To these paste stories, poetry, pic- 
tures, or any clippings likely to amuse or interest. Do 
not use those which are sad or harrowing. 



16 , //WiV TLVE OCCVPATIONS 



PICTURE PUZZLES. 

In selecting pictures for this purpose, choose those 
that are pleasing and of probable interest to men. Col- 
ored pictures are much to be preferred to those in 
black and white, or even in brown. So many of the 
magazines and advertising circulars offer excellent col- 
ored pictures that they are not difficult to procure. 

I. Post Cards. 

An interesting post card cut into fifteen to twenty- 
five pieces makes a good simple puzzle. Use sharp 
scissors for cutting, and make straight lines only. Put 
the pieces into a small envelope properly labeled. 
iSee J-age 17). 

II. Mounted on Cardboard. 

Select a picture (not larger than 9"xl2") ; paste it 
smoothly and securely to heavy cardboard, and dry it 
under weight. If there are any blisters or rough 
places, the value of the puzzle is very much lessened. 
Whea thoroughlv^ dry, use the cardboard cutter to cut 
into irregular pieces. If scissors are used, the edges 
are quite likely to be rough, and unless they are smooth 
no puzzle can be put together with any degree of sat- 
isfaction. All lines should be straight — no curves. 
Cut the puzzle first into four or five large pieces, and 
these into smaller ones. Good judgment as to the 
size of pieces should be exercised. If too large, there 
is very little ''puzzle", if too small, the fussiness takes 
awav the interest. 

When cut, it is advisable to ''check up" by having 
the puzzle put together. 

Fl9ce the piece in an envelope (See Plates 1 and 3) 
or a bag (See Page 24) and securely fasten. 



WAA' TIME OCCrPATIOXS 



17 



III. Mounted on Wood. 

Select a well colored interesting picture, and mount 
it carefully on thin wood. Larger pictures may be 
used for this than those mounted on cardboard if de- 
sired. A scroll-saw should be used for cutting these, and 
curved lines as well as straight may be used. Try to 
avoid making long narrow pieces which are likely to 
split off. Rub the edge of each piece with fine sand- 
paper to smooth off any roughness left by the saw, but 
do not change the shape or round the edges. 

When finished put the pieces in a box or bag. 



ENVELOPE 



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EYELET-, 

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r/Wye TIME occri'ATroxs 



ENVELOPES. 



Material: Wrapping paper. 

Small envelopes are easily constructed from a rec- 
tangle. The size may be varied but the two drawings 
(Plates 1 and 3) are of suitable dimensions as indi- 
cated. 

To construct small envelope: First draw outside 
rectangle which includes whole envelope. (See Plate 
2). From the sides, top, and bottom lay off correct 
distances to make small rectangles at the corners. 
Connect these points by light lines. Cut first the out- 
side lines and then the four small rectangles from 
each corner. Fold long edges together but do not 
crease through the center. With the scissors round 
off the corners of flaps, and curve the opening. This 
is more pleasing than an unmodified rectangle. (For 
sue'2:estions see Plate 3). 

Make the proper folds on the lines and crease hard 
with edge of rule or folder. Paste first the long edges 
and then the bottom flap. 

A larger envelope may be constructed in the same 
manner. That shown in Plate 1 is of another style 
and its construction may be determined by a study of 
the drawing. 

Upon the face of the envelope in good hand lettering 
well placed indicate the use of the contents. If the 
name of the maker is to be added the flap of the enve- 
lope is the best place for it. 

When in use the flap of the envelope should be fast- 
ened so that the contents will not fall out. 

A. It may be lightly pasted down so that the en- 
velope can be opened without tearing. 



Zf/.^/e TIME OCCUPATIONS 




PLATE 2 



20 



JV.-iJ? TIME OCCUPATIONS 





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IVA/e TIME OCCCPATIOXS 



21 



B. A piece of twine may be tied around the en- 
velope both across and lengthwise. 

C. In the center of one side of the flap plan to 
punch a hole. This should first be re-enforced by cut- 
ting from heavy paper a circle of 3-16 to 3-8 radius 
and pasting it in the correct place. Through both 
thicknesses punch the hole. Into this insert twine as 
shown in Figure 3 and use this to tie the envelope. 




22 JFAJ^ 7VMB 0CC(7\-1 7V0XS 



TANGRAM. 

Material: Heavy Cardboard. 

This is said to be a Chinese puzzle, dating back sev- 
eral thousand years. The pieces not only may be re- 
turned to the original square, but when accurately 
drawn and cut will also form a rectangle, a rhomboid, 
and more than a hundred irregular but pleasing fig- 
ures. Construct this as shown in Plate 4, beginning 
with a square A B C D. This may be of any size, but 
Find the center of each side above the diagonal, E and 
F. Connect these points. Place the rule as if to draw 
the second diagonal, but draw from A only as far as the 
line E F. Lay off the distance X G on the complete 
diagonal each side of the center. (On a 3 1-2" square 
this distance is practically 1 1-4".) Draw lines E H and 
G J. E G X H will be a square, if the drawing is ac- 
curate. Cut the pieces (7) very carefully on the lines, 
preferably using the cardboard cutter, and place them 
in a small envelope properly lettered. 



T PUZZLE. 

Material: Heavy Cardboard. 

Plate 4 shows the parts assembled. The best me- 
thod of construction is to draw the top line for the 
base and from it with the triangle erect the perpen- 
diculars ; in other words it is best to draw the *T" bot- 
tom side up. Locate points and draw connecting lines 



WAR TIME OCCrPAT/ONS 



23 



as shown. Cut the pieces (4) very carefully and put 
them in a small envelope with appropriate lettering, 
such as: ''Can you make T in five minutes?" or ''These 
pieces make T." 



T PUZZLE 





Ht — '2- 


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1 


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24 Jl'.-JA' TIME OCCUPATIONS 



BAGS. 

Materials: Gingham, cretonne, etc., thread and cord. 

These bags are designed to hold checkers or picture 
puzzles. They should be made of material that is 
strong and not too easily soiled. On the contrary do 
not choose dingy unattractive colors, nor stiff mater- 
ial that cannot be drawn up by the draw string. 

The bags should be large enough to hold contents 
comfortably and yet without the use of unnecessary 
material, not only for conservation of materials and 
time, but also space and weight in the soldier's posses- 
sions, — to him most valuable assets. Neither should 
a bag be made which is too small to be handled com- 
fortably. 

The actual size of the bags is somewhat a matter of 
individual choice, but in giving directions it is most 
desirable to have a standard size. After some experi- 
menting it has been found that a bag 2 l-2"x3" when 
completed answers all requirements for holding card- 
board checkers. For wooden checkers and for pic- 
ture puzzles of the sizes recommended a larger bag is 
needed and for this say 4"x5" for the completed bag. 

In cutting the bags plan to have a seam at each side, 
or at the bottom and one side, Nvhich ever works out to 
the best advantage. 

If the bags are to be made by the sewing classes, the 
teacher will find here opportunity for having seams 
sewed by hand and finished either with overcasting or 
French method. The top should be nicely hemmed and 
if desired two button holes may be worked at opposite 
sides of the hem, and on the outside thru which to 
pass the draw strings. 



IVAJe TIA/E 0CCrPA7I0NS 25 

If production is the sole aim and speed is required, 
most of the sewing may be done by machine and the 
strings inserted under the edge of the hem. 

For draw strings use strong cord or narrow tape. 
Have them long enough to tie comfortably, but not so 
long that they will dangle in the way. 

To insert the strings either of the following methods 
is recommended. 

A: Begin at a side where there is a seam, and with 
blunt or tape needle run the string round the top of the 
bag inside the hem; leave one end out and bring 
the ether out to join it, tying them together with a 
strong knot. Begin at the opposite side of the bag with 
a second string and insert like the first. Be careful not 
to catch the needle in the side of the bag or in either 
string as this prevents drawing up well. When the 
second string is run in and tied the bag may be closed 
by pulling each string. 

B: Insert only one string by the same method 2*s 
described. Leave tied ends long enough to loop around 
the mouth of bag. Then pull ends through the loop 
and thus tighten the string. 



26 IV^^A' 77J/A^ 0CC(7*A'fI0\S 



DOMINOES. 

Materials: Light weight cardboard of bright color, 
heavy weight cardboard of dark color, or news- 
board darkened by a wash of black ink, or the 
light weight cardboard may be black, under 
which plain newsDoard maybe used. 

Each domino is 3-4"xl 1-2", and when completed a 
set of double 6's stacks to a height of about 2", and of 
double 9's to 4". Occupying so small a space, and be- 
ing very light weight makes them especially desirable 
for the soldier's pocket or kit. 

The completed dominoes consist of two thicknesses 
of cardboard, on top the light weight in which holes 
have been punched, and beneath this the heavy card- 
board showing through the holes. For punching 
holes a conductor's punch with 1-8" round hole is 
recommended altho a heavier and more expensive 
punch may be used. 

On a sheet of light weight cardboard or construc- 
tion paper of any convenient size, draw a line, length- 
wise and near one edge. Beginning 1-4 inch from one 
end, lay off on this line 1 1-2 inches several times. At 
each end mark erect perpendiculars by using a triangle 
and on each of these perpendiculars lay off 8-4 
of an inch several times. Connect opposite points 
and also locate on top line points directly opposite 
those on the base. When these are connected the sur- 
face of the cardboard will be divided into rectangles 
3-4"xl 1-2", each of which represents a domino. These 
should be divided into halves by a line across the cen- 
ter, but which does not reach quite to the edge of each 
domino. 



jr.IA' TIME OCCrPATIOXS 



11 



DOMINOES 





















! 

I 


















f 
I 






















3 

^4^ 


-1- 

























































































































L 

-ICD 
-ICO 

r 






^xy<y 






^^^<y 



-|(VJ 



PATTERN 



28 IVA/e TIME OCCUPATIONS 

The next step is to mark off on the dominoes the 
"spots" which are necessary for the set. The most 
practical way to accomplish this is to make a ''dummy" 
or pattern by which all the dominoes are marked out 
(See Plate 6.) Lay out a "double nine" as shown in 
the drawing and at each point punch a hole. Then 
cut to correct size. By laying this on each domino, 
and marking with a pencil point through the holes, any 
combination from 1 to 9 may be made. Before punch- 
ing these holes, the cardboard should be cut into strips 
of the full length and two dominoes wide. 

By no means cut them into single dominoes. Now 
punch all the holes necessary for the set and paste each 
strip onto the heavy cardboard. In pasting do not 
place the light cardboard close to the edge of the heavy 
cardboard but leave a margin so that all edges may be 
trimmed on the cutter. After pasting leave under 
w^eight until thoroughly dry. Then by means of the 
cardboard cutter, cut all the strips, first the long edges 
and then into individual dominoes. Each set should 
be carefully checked up to see that it is complete, and 
then fastened together by a rubber band or twine. 
Domino Cases may be made to hold them or they may 
be put in small bags. 



H\~l/^ TIME OCCUPATIOSS 



29 



DOMINO CASE. 



Materials: Newsboard, vellum, eyelet, macreme cord. 
Plate 7 suggests two sizes, the smaller to hold sets 
of double 6, and the larger to hold sets of double 9. 



DOMINO CASE 



w 






FOR doubl:: 63 A=25 

FOR DOUBLE 9'5A=4" 




PLATE 7 



30 w/wy? riiME occrpATioxs 

Cut the separate pieces of newsboard and correct- 
ly arrange them on a piece of vellum. As an aid to a 
proper alignment, mark on the back side of the vellum 
with pencil the location of the bottom of the case, and 
extend all lines to the edge of the vellum. Use these 
lines as guides in placing the other pieces, between 
which a space of about 1-16" should be left. Cut the 
vellum so that it extends beyond the newsboard for 
1-2" or more, but do not cut the corners until after the 
newsboard is pasted to the vellum. To accomplish 
this, the paste (see Materials) should be evenly spread 
over the surface of the vellum with a good brush, the 
newsboard laid on it, to fit the lines previously drawn, 
and the whole turned over and rubbed on the right side. 
Make the proper cuts at the corners, turn over the 
vellum at the edges and carefully rub it down. 

At the four inside corners, the vellum spreads wide 
apart. If desired an extra piece of vellum may be 
pasted on to cover the space as shown in the drawing. 

The cutting of the lining presents some difficulties 
but with patience may be made to fit. On the back 
side of the vellum draw the lining of the exact size of 
the case, and cut just within the lines Paste this to 
the inside of the case, crease tlie folds by drawing over 
them the edge of a rule or bone folder, and dry flat un- 
der weight. 

When dry insert an eyelet in the front edge of the 
cover. Through this loop a piece of macreme cord 
(see Fig. 3), and when dominoes are in the case use 
this to tie around it. 



II. -Ik riME occi rAi'ioss 



SLIP BOX 






Sft^4^ VELLUM Jflf'"^ 












NEWSBOARD ] 




7 1 






I 

T 


_ yf M 


7 




^ 6 


h 4 - 


8 ■■ 




VELLUM STAY 




NEWSBOARD 



-:qo 






32 WA/^ TIME OCCrPATIONS 



SLIP BOX. 

Material: Newsboard, vellum, thin paper. 

This box (Plate 8) may be used instead of the domi- 
AO case to contain the dominoes; or by varying the 
size it may be used for other purposes such as holding 
checkers or a picture puzzle. The size here given is 
for holding dominoes. 

Accurately lay out the box on the newsboard as 
shown in the drawing and cut on the outside lines, pre- 
ferably with the cardboard cutter. Along the edges of 
the base score with a sharp knife or strong pin and 
turn up the sides with the lines outside. The corners 
should be stayed with a strip of vellum as shown to 
hold the box in shape. 

Cut a strip of lining or other thin paper long enough 
to extend around the box and lap over about 1-2 inch ; 
the width should be at least one inch greater than 
height of sides. Paste this strip to the sides of the 
box allowing surplus width to extend equally above and 
below. 

At each corner of the box make cuts in the paper so 
that it may be pasted to the inside of the box at one 
edge and to the bottom of the box at the other. It is 
advised that no attempt be made to line either the in- 
side or the base. The case should be enough larger than 
the box to allow the latter to slip easily but not fall out. 
By making each side of the case 1-8 of an inch wider 
than the corresponding sides of the box, this is accom- 
plished. It will be noticed that three narrow faces are 
shown in the drawing. Lap the broader outside face 
B over the narrower one A and paste securely. This 
gives stability to the outside. 



Jl'AA' TIME OCCfPATIONS 33 

Cut a strip of vellum long enough to paste around 
the box and extend beyond it at least 1-2 inch at each 
end. Paste this to the foundation ; at each corner make 
cuts in the vellum, and paste projecting parts to the 
inside of the foundation. 



CHECKER BOARD. 

Materials: Newsboard, vellum, squared paper. 

This checkerboard (Plate 9) is planned with squares 
3-4" in size, and of these there should be 8 on each side 
alternating dark and light. By making a foundation 
7 1-2" square, it gives a margin of 3-4" on all sides, re- 
sulting not only in a satisfactory appearance, but pro- 
viding a place for extra checkers. This board folds 
through the center and is small enough to be easily 
carried in the pocket. 

Cut two pieces of newsboard 3 5-8" strong x7 1-2 , 
and a piece of vellum about 9" square. It will be ob- 
served that the width of the newsboard is less than 
half the length in order to allow a space between the 
two pieces of newsboard without which the completed 
board would not close. i re • 

On the back side of the piece of vellum mark oft in 
heavy lines the positions of the two pieces of news- 
board and allow 1-4" or 3-16" space between them. 
Paste the newsboard to the vellum as already de- 
scribed, cut the corners and paste the edges. A strip 
of vellum 2"x7" should be pasted to cover the space be- 
tween the two pieces of newsboard and extend well onto 
them. 



34 



tVA/^ v/j/A' orcrpAT/oxs 



CHECKER-BOARD 



W^rn^ 



S.^jt^..^-:r,^.a..^ PAPER " 




The paper used for lining may be prepared in one of 
several ways, either by machine or by hand, and may 
be in one piece or two. The former is less likely to be 
confusing. The easiest and quickest method 
is to have the squares printed in dark ink on white 
or light gray paper of good quality, and fairly tough. 
The use of linoleum is suggested as one method of 
printing squares, or a line plate may be made, the 
squares printed from it and finished linings for the 



J^A/^ TIME OCCUPATIONS 35 

checkerboards furnished to those who are making 
them. The light squares may be left as they are or 
may be colored with water color, crayon, or oils. All 
the outside square should be lined in, either when 
printed or afterward by hand. A border line about 1-4" 
outside the squares adds very much to the general 
appearance. 

If all the marking and coloring must be done by 
hand, paper commercially ruled into 1-4" squares is 
recommended. This secures accuracy, and saves much 
tiresome ruling. Three such spaces on each side 
form a 3-4 inch square and when the checker board is 
laid off by small dots on outside lines, proceed to color 
alternate squares by one of the following methods: 

A. With soft pencil darken alternate squares leav- 
ing others of the original color. Begin with the up- 
per row, and take successive rpws downward. Across 
the paper lay a rule just below the lower edge of the 
squares to be darkened. With the pencil make verti- 
cal strokes only, using the side of the pencil to give an 
even surface free from ridges. Be careful with the 
lines at the right and left edges that they do not ex- 
tend into the adjoining space. The edge of the rule 
will stop the strokes at the right place at the bottom 
and they should not extend auite to the top as this can 
be adjusted later. When all rows are finished, turn 
paper around so that what was top is now bottom, and 
complete square* by the same method. 

B. Instead of pencil, colored crayons may be used 
in the same manner as already described. 

C. Crayons of two colors may be used in alternate 
squares, or one color and a black pencil. Orange and 
black or red and black are pleasing combinations. 

D. Ink or water may be applied with a brush. 



36 JVAJ^ TIME OCCUPATIONS 

When completed place the ''board" so that a dark 
square is in the upper left and lower right corners re- 
spectively, and cut open vertically, removing about 
1-4" from the center two halves. If no space is left, 
the paper soon cracks in folding; if too little space is 
left, the edges soon turn and later become "dog-eared" ; 
if too much is left, it is confusing to the players, as 
theoretically there should be no space at all. Paste 
these pieces to each half of the cover, placing them 
about 1-4" apart, and dry flat under weight. 

When thoroughly dry, the inner surface should be 
varnished with shellac or valspar to give stability to 
the color. Otherwise, it soon becomes rubbed and the 
appearance, if not the utility, of the board is spoiled 
One coat is sufficient to hold the color, but if a polished 
surface is desired two are needed. 

The question of coating the outside with shellac or 
other polish is an open one, and may be decided to suit 
the individual taste. 

It is sometimes desirable to show that an article is 
the product of the school room, and in this case a neat- 
ly printed label with a space for the pupil's name, etc., 
may be pasted to the outside. 

If larger boards are desired make the squares one 
inch in size leaving 3-4" margin. The foundation con- 
sists of two pieces of newsboard, each 4 5-8"x9 1-2" and 
the vellum for covering should be a 11 1-2" square. The 
process of assembling is like that used in the small 
board. 



JVAJ^ TIME OCCUPATIONS 37 



CHECKERS. 

I. Dowels. Checkers may be made from dowels 
5-8" or 3-4" for small checkerboards and 7-8" or Y' for 
for the larger boards. Broom handles, etc., may be 
used as substitutes for the dowels. 

The checkers should be of a uniform thickness, and 
this is best secured by using a combination mitre-box, 
saw and gauge. If this is not available, any other 
means may be employed to saw the dowels into disks 
1-8" or 3-16" in thickness. 

Lay a piece of sandpaper on a flat surface and rub 
the checkers on this to remove saw marks. Two grades 
of sandpaper give a better finish than one. 

To play the game, it is necessary that there should 
be two colors of checkers. Some woods present suf- 
ficient difference in their natural colors to serve this 
purpose, but it is generally better that one set at least 
should be artifically colored. For this, use stain or 
ink. Place some of the fluid in a shallow dish, and 
drop the checkers into it. Remove at once with nip- 
pers or two sticks, and lay on a paper to dry. 

Most stains will stand some water, but common ink 
would wash out if rained on. So to preserve the color, 
checkers dyed with ink should afterward be dropped 
into a thin shellac and taken out and dried. Those of 
natural color should also be shellaced as they keep 
clean much longer. After the shellac is dry, there is 
a little roughness on the surface. If this is rubbed off 
with fine sandpaper, the checkers are much more agree- 
able to handle. Twelve checkers of each color are 
needed for a set but three or four extra ones may be 
added. Put these in a strong bag securely tied. 



38 If/AJ^ TIME OCCUPATIONS 

IL Button Molds. Instead of using dowels, as 
just described, wooden button molds may be colored 
and used. 

III. Buttons. Two contrasting colors of flat but- 
tons make excellent checkers. 

IV. Cardboard. Disks of pressboard with printed 
representations of chessmen are shown in Figure 2. 
Either chess or checkers may be played with these 
disks on the checkerboard. 



.. KNITTING NEEDLE 



12 



liVi/e TIME OCCCPATIOXS 59 



KNITTING NEEDLES. 

Materials: Dowels 3-16" for sweaters, or 1-8" for wash 
clothes etc. 

These may be purchased at a hardware store in 
36" lengths. Kindergarten beads of wood on sale at 
a School Supply house, Button molds of wood on sale 
with dressmakers' supplies. The larger dowels (3-16) 
should be cut into 3 pieces each and the smaller dow- 
els (1-8) into 4 pieces each. Each piece makes a 
needle. 

One end of the dowel (see Plate 10) should be whittled 
to form a symmetrical point which should taper about 
1-2 inch. The other end should be finished in such a 
way that the stitches when knit on will not slip off. 
Three methods are suggested: 

(A). Warm sealing wax may be molded in the 
hand to form a ball or cylinder enclosing the end of the 
dowel. 

(B). Glue a "kindergarten bead" to the end. As 
these beads have holes smaller than 3-16" dowels 
one must be made to fit the other. 

1. With a drill bit enlarge the hole in the bead so 
that the dowel may be inserted. 

2. Cut a "shoulder" on the dowel leaving a project- 
ing pin of correct size and length to fit the bead. 

(C). Attach a small "button mold" by the same 
process described for a kindergarten bead. 



40 IV.^J^ TIME OCCfJPATfOXS 



TRENCH CANDLES. 

The use of candles is quite general in many camps 
and ''trench candles" possess the advantage of giving 
far more light and heat than those of the ordinary 
kind. Because of the relatively large amount of space 
they occupy, they are not always acceptable for trans- 
portation in quantities, but because they are liked by 
individual soldiers for their personal use directions for 
candle-making are here given. It is recommended 
that the ultimate desirability of the candles be assured 
before they are made. 

Materials. 

The candles are made of rolled newspapers boiled 
in candle wax or fat. The newspapers should be of 
cheap quality, usually those that are sold for one cent. 

Broken candles, candle ends or any material such as 
wax, paraffine or tallow from which candles are made 
should be used for boiling. 

Rolling. 

Fold the newspaper lengthwise through the center 
of each page and cut along the crease with any thin 
bladed knife. Several sheets may be cut at once. They 
will be the full length of the paper and approximately 
9 inches wide. 

Upon a table lay 8 such sheets one above another, 
with their edges as evenly placed as possible and a 
short edge toward the worker. 

Beginning at the nearest edge turn all the pieces in 
one fold of 3-4 of an inch and crease very hard. 



lr.-JJ^ TIME occrpATioxs 41 

At the center of this fold turn over about 1-4 of an 
inch and work it toward one edge, then holding this 
very firmly work toward the opposite edge. 

Repeat this process 3 or 4 times ; each time the fold 
will be somewhat larger. The success of the candle 
rolling depends almost wholly upon a proper beginning. 

As soon as possible lay the palms of the hands flat 
upon the fold and roll, bearing on with considerable 
weight. 

When about 1-3 the length of the paper has been 
rolled turn back 4 sheets so that their edges are un- 
der the roll and continue rolling to the fold just made. 

Turn back 2 sheets to the roll and continue to this 
fold. 

Turn back one sheet and roll to edge of single re- 
maining sheet. 

Grasp the roll firmly in one hand and knock the ends 
alternately upon the table to even any projecting pieces 
of paper. 

The single sheet at the edge should now be pasted 
to the roll throughout its length and laid aside to dry. 
Library paste or home made flour paste is recommend- 
ed. Do not use glue. 

To be satisfactory the rolls should be almost as hard 
as wood. 

Cutting. 

Use only rolls that are dry. Cut into 1 1-2 inch 
lengths. For this purpose use a sharp knife, a tobacco 
cutter or a saw. When feasible it is advised that rolls 
be sent to a machine shop to be cut by a power saw. 

Boiling. 

When melted there should be enough wax or fat to 
cover completely the paper rolls. It is better to use a 
large kettle, both to boil a large quantity at one time 



//:-7A^ TIME OCCrPATIOXS 



and to lessen the danger of boiling over. The wax 
should come to the boiling point but if it smokes or 
gives off an odor it is too hot. Leave the rolls in 
the hot wax for an hour, then remove and place in 
single layers to cool. 

Use. 

When thoroughly cool the candle is ready for use. 
It may be lighted at either end and will stand on a 
stone or a handful of earth. If the flame becomes dull 
the candle should be ''snuffed" by brushing off the 
charred paper. One candle will burr three-quarters 
of an hour and three of them placed close together will 
boil a quart of water in fifteen minutes. 



